Goddess

Hiro and friends are gathered together in a canopied pavilion facing a central stage, waiting for a recruitment speech to commence. The event coordinators are young, attractive women, wearing white robes showcasing their cleavage. They direct event attendees with peaceful, welcoming, smiles.

A petite, blond haired event coordinator with a beverage serving tray in hand, approaches Hiro: “Would you care for a refreshment, my handsome young sir?”

Hiro, nervously: “Uh, uh, uh.”

Event coordinator, smiling broadly: “I’ll take that as a yes.”

She places the beverage in Hiro’s hand, letting her hand linger on his, and then walks away looking back into his eyes as she does so.

Hiro, woozy: “Heh, heh, heh. Everyone seems very nice here. Maybe it’s not so bad.”

Parvul, kicking Hiro in the shin: “You’re not fooling anyone, you pervert. You’re just getting excited by all the cute, young girls.”

Hiro turns red, sputtering in response, hopping on his other leg.

Artifice, low voice: “To recap, I gleaned from Pericula’s mind that her Psychic Alliance comrade, Numine, is responsible for setting up her psychic shield. She’s also the leader of this religion they call the Church of Enlightened Purpose.”

Potesta: “We’re here at a communal farm on the agricultural world of Praedium, which serves as their headquarters. My family owns most of Praedium, so I was able to secure invites for all of us to this recruitment drive.”

Artifice: “Looks like they’re about to start. From what I’ve observed, the worshippers here are displaying symptoms of a subtle form of mind control, so don’t let your guard down.”

They turn their attention to the central stage as a hooded and veiled speaker walks up to the podium, clearing her throat.

Speaker: “Greetings prospective disciples of the Holy One. Prior to beginning my formal oration, are there are any burning questions I can answer to put your minds at ease?

Acies: “Is there an application form or test or something we have to pass in order to join?”

Speaker: “There are no judgments here. Anyone who so wishes is welcome to join in the Divine One’s radiance. If I’m not mistaken, it appears that you’re a member of the Militant Faith Alliance. We’ve never had a disciple from your alliance before, which makes you the first. How do I reconcile your presence here?”

Acies: “Oh, is that so? All I know is that the Lord set me on this path, so who am I to question it?”

Speaker, nodding: “Well spoken, I hope for your sake that your participation will lead you to the goddess’ path of enlightenment.”

Acies is about to retort, but Potesta has the wherewithal to press her heel into his foot, reminding him of their mission.

Speaker: “Are there any other questions? No? Then I will begin with a question—have you ever felt that your life has been a monotonous journey? Even so, you feel certain you’re destined for greater things, if only you could find your true path in life? Hence, our Goddess’ promise to her flock—through enlightenment, she guides us to our true path in life. I will now recount some inspiring accounts of our acolyte’s journeys …”

Speaker, sometime later: “As I end my sermon, please close your eyes, to join me in a moment of quiet prayer.”

Speaker, several moments later: “Please open your eyes.”

Speaker, looking out directly at Hiro: “You, young man wearing the cap. Now that you’ve heard how magnificent our Goddess is, how do you feel?”

Hiro, staring back blankly: “All bathe in the embrace of our goddess’ golden light.”

Speaker, with a wan smile: “How wonderful. Somehow, I knew you’d be won over.”

Speaker, looking back out over the crowd: “Those of you who are still unprepared to take the next great step in your lives can return to your uninspired existences now. For the rest of you, feel free to mingle and enjoy the refreshments. One of our acolytes will direct you to your new living quarters shortly.”

Acies, putting his arm around Hiro’s shoulder: “Great acting Hiro. You really had me fooled. I was starting to think you actually fell for all this fake religion mumbo jumbo.”

Hiro continues to stare out blankly in response.

Parvul, mortified expression: “Oh no. He wasn’t acting, he’s really been brainwashed.”

Artifice flashes a slight blue aura as she smacks Hiro on the head, disrupting his brain washing.

Hiro, coming back to himself: “Ow, what was that for? Hey, what happened, is the presentation over already?”

Potesta: “Despite our warnings, you succumbed to the speaker’s mind control, so Artifice used her Alliance ability to free you.”

Hiro, rubbing his head: “She didn’t have to smack me though. A soft touch would have sufficed.”

Artifice, with a wicked smile: “True, any physical contact would have been sufficient, but not as satisfactory.”

Hiro scowls in response, looking for sympathy from his friends.

Potesta, sternly: “Don’t look at me with those puppy dog eyes. Let that be a lesson to you. You need to be more careful—you’re far too dangerous to be used as a tool by the enemy. I will do whatever is necessary to prevent that from happening.”

Hiro gulps nervously.

Terridus attempts to help Hiro by changing the subject, to Sloth: “You’re very quiet Sloth, what was your reaction to the sermon?”

Sloth: “Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz”

Parvul: “Paaahh, you have to ask? He’s asleep as usual, of course.”

Hiro turns and starts walking away.

Potesta: “Where do you think you’re going?”

Hiro: “I want to get some fresh air.”

Potesta: “Just don’t wander too far.”

Hiro, under his breath: “I thought she said she was going to stop being so bossy.”

Potesta, calling after him: “What was that?”

Hiro: “I said I won’t wander off.”

Parvul: “He’s sulking.”

Artifice: “Definitely sulking.”

Hiro navigates his way through the other recruits, making his way to the pavilion exit. Outside, he’s admiring the sky, which has a purplish tint as the sun begins to set. Without warning, a hand clasps onto his shoulder from behind. Instinctively, Hiro spins, knocking the hand aside as he crouches into a defensive posture. Across from him is the same woman who offered him a beverage earlier.

Hiro, relaxing: “Oh, it’s you.”

Event coordinator: “Jumpy much? (pauses) Sorry, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have come up behind you like that.”

Hiro: “No, it’s fine. You just surprised me is all.”

Event coordinator: “Let’s start again. (pauses, takes a breath) Hi, my name is Stella. Shall we take a short walk together through the wheat fields?”

Hiro, as they start walking: “Sure. I’m…”

Stella, cutting in before he can finish: “Hiro. Yes, I know.”

Hiro, suddenly suspicious: “Hey, how do you know my name?”

Stella: “That’s easy silly, you and your friends have been assigned to me. I’ll be showing all of you to your rooms, and helping you get acclimated. Since you haven’t left yet, am I correct in saying that you’ve decided to stay?”

Hiro: “Yes, we have. How about you? What are you doing here? You don’t act like your brainwashed.”

Stella: “Brainwashed?”

Hiro, realizing he’s said too much, with nervous laughter: “Did I say brain washed, I meant to just say washed.”

Stella: “Huh? How is that any better? Are you saying I smell or something?

Hiro, flailing his arms stiffly up and down: “No, no, no, that’s not what I meant. I’m sorry, I don’t know what I’m saying right now.”

Stella, smiling coyly: “Well, maybe you can make it up to me.”

Hiro: “Sure, how can I do that?”

Stella, getting in front of Hiro and stopping: “Why don’t you take your cap off, and let me see what you look like under there.”

Hiro’s posture instantly stiffens as his countenance darkens.

Hiro, thinking: “What a fool I’ve been—I’ve put all of my friends in danger. How could I trust a complete stranger so easily? I should have learned my lesson after Pericula deceived us. What if she’s the same as Pericula, wearing some kind of disguise?”

Stella, suddenly concerned: “Hiro, what’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Hiro: “Take my cap off, huh? What if I take your disguise off instead? Voila!”

Hiro reaches out, latches onto Stella’s robe, and pulls. Her robe flies off her body as she’s spun into a shrieking pirouette, covering her chest with one hand and her privates with the other.

Hiro, confused: “Huh, why didn’t you transform?”

Stella, trying to make herself as small as possible: “Transform into what? What are you talking about? Why did you pull my robe off?”

Hiro: “I thought you were the cult leader in disguise. Why are you working for this religion then, and why aren’t you brainwashed? And why did you ask me to go for a walk and take my cap off?”

Stella, blurts out rapidly: “I’m not the goddess—I’m just an ordinary girl. My family heritage has always been tied to the Psychic Alliance. I’m not a member myself, but through genetics and some training, I’ve never been susceptible to suggestion. I stayed here because it gives me a feeling of belonging. I don’t have a boyfriend—you seemed like a nice guy, and I thought you were kind of cute. I just wanted to see what you look like without that cap on.”

Hiro’s friends round a corner of the wheat field, bursting onto the scene.

Terridus: “We heard a scream. What happened? Are you both ok?”

All their jaws drop and Terridus’ voice trails off, as Stella’s lack of clothing registers with the impact of a bomb blast.

Acies, frantically nervous: “She’s doesn’t have any clothes on, right? I’m not just imaging it, am I? Uh, why is she naked?”

Parvul, to Hiro: “What did u do now, you pervert?”

Hiro: “It’s not what it looks like. It’s it’s …”

Potesta calmly picks up Stella’s robe, walking over to her while glaring at Hiro, Acies and Sloth in turn.

Potesta: “Some privacy please.”

The three guys continue to stare blankly forward.

Potesta, commanding tone: “That means turn around, now! And don’t even think about peeking.”

All three scramble to do an about face, which is remarkable considering Sloth is asleep.

Acies, low voice: “You’re right, she’s still bossy.”

Hiro: “Uh huh. Uh huh.”

Potesta: “What’s that?”

Acies: “We said we won’t peek.”

Parvul, threatening: “If you value your lives, you won’t.”

Terridus and Artifice help Stella put her robe back on.

Potesta: “Now, what’s all this about?”

Stella looks down embarrassed.

Potesta: “Hiro?”

Hiro, looking down, shuffling his feet: “Well I, uh, tried to remove her disguise. Only …”

Artifice, eyes baring down on Hiro: “Continue.”

Hiro: “She wasn’t wearing one, so her robe came flying off.”

Terridus, anguished: “Oh Hiro, how could you?”

Parvul: “Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.”

Hiro: “She started asking me questions, and given recent events, it made me suspicious.”

Stella: “Please don’t blame him. I don’t know what you’ve been through recently, but I feel he was just trying to protect all of you.”

Hiro, bowing: “I made a terrible mistake. I apologize. That’s so gracious of you to forgive me.”

Stella: “I didn’t say I forgave you. Before I can consider forgiving you, you have to tell me something—and don’t even try ripping my clothes off again. When we were speaking earlier you used the word ‘cult’. So why are you really here?”

Potesta, frowning: “I’m not sure if answering that is a good idea.”

Hiro: “I at least owe her the truth after what I did.”

Potesta, resigned, nods in assent: “Very well then. Keep in mind, this poses a risk.”

Hiro: “I know, but sometimes you need to have faith and take a chance on someone. I regret assuming the worst earlier.

Hiro, sighs: “Where do I start? It’s complicated.”

Stella: “I don’t expect a detailed history. Just give me the bottom line.”

Hiro: “A bad guy is targeting me and my friends. We want to take the fight to him, but we need to find him first. The leader of the Church of Enlightened Purpose, Numine, is working for him, making her a bad guy too. She’s also our only lead, so we need to find her to get to the bad guy.”

Stella: “You’re telling me he truth?”

Hiro: “Yes, of course.”

Stella: “Then, I’ll help you.”

Hiro, jaw dropping: “Whhhaaat? You believe me? I was hoping you wouldn’t report us, but you’re actually going to help us?”

Stella: “That’s what I said, I’ll help you. Admittedly, I was beginning to have my own doubts about this place. So why wouldn’t I help?”

Hiro: “Wow, you’re so nice. Where can we find her?”

Stella: “I don’t actually know that myself, since I’m not part of her inner circle. In fact, I don’t even know what she looks like—I haven’t met her in person and she doesn’t make public appearances.

Still, I’ll see what I can find out. Oh, I should introduce myself to your friends.”

Stella, to Hiro’s friends: “Hi, I’m Stella. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you.”

Terridus, hugging her: “I’m Terridus. I hope we can be friends!”

Potesta: “Potesta. We appreciate any assistance you’re able to provide.”

Acies, still embarrassed from seeing her unclothed earlier: “I’m uh, Acies.”

Artifice: “Nice to meet you, I’m Artifice. Thanks for offering to help us, I expect we’ll need it.”

Parvul: “My name’s Parvul. If that pervert Hiro tries anything fishy just let me know and I’ll put him in his place.”

Stella: “Oh, and who’s that standing over there with his eyes closed?”

Parrvul: “That’s Sloth, just ignore him.”

Stella: “Time to show you to your rooms.”

Terridus, timidly: “Um, what’s the sleeping arrangement?”

Stella: “I’m sure you want to remain together. The women and men will each have their own quarters, adjacent to each other. Please follow me.”

As Stella leads them away, she turns to Hiro, who is walking next to her.

Stella: “Voila? Really?”

Hiro: “I thought a dramatic flourish would be cool.”

Stella rolls her eyes and shakes her head in response.

A few days later, the friends are eating dinner together at one of several communal tables. Acies and Hiro’s plates are overflowing, and they’re rapidly alternating hands to shovel food into their mouths.

Parvul: “Arrrgghhh. What are we doing here? We haven’t made any progress at all. All we do are chores, chores, chores, followed by lectures on how we’ve made bad life choices, and instead must follow the path of the goddess. The only thing I hate more than chores are holier than thou types telling me how I should live my life.”

Parvul’s head drops, clunking on the table.

Acies, food falling from his mouth: “mmfsd mmnefd mmfkow.”

Hiro, food falling from his mouth: “mmwd mmmvcs mmuzva:

Potesta, disapproving: “Disgusting.”

Artifice: “How can anyone understand what you’re saying while your mouths are so full of food?”

Sloth: “Acies said the chores aren’t that hard, and the buffet meals are awesome. Hiro wholeheartedly agreed.”

Surprised to hear him speak, everyone looks over at Sloth.

Sloth: “What? I’m awake lots of the time.”

Everyone looks away with skeptical expressions.

Just then, Stella approaches the table, sitting down with them.

Stella, in a low voice: “I found out something that may be of help to you. Later tonight there will be a graduation ceremony where chosen acolytes will receive personal transcendence from the goddess. It’s taking place at an outdoor temple a short walk from here. Gather in the female quarters after dinner, and wait for me. I will stop by and lead you there.”

The friends are gathered together, awaiting Stella’s arrival, discussing their next steps.

Potesta: “This should only be a reconnaissance expedition. We need to gather more data to determine the best course of action.”

Parvul: “Ugh. I’m tired of waiting around, why can’t we just go in there with guns blazing and capture her? They won’t be expecting us, so there probably won’t even be any resistance.”

Potesta: “There are too many unknowns, it’s too risky.”

Acies: “Well, I kind of like the idea of taking decisive action and I never shy away from a fight. Then again, I wouldn’t mind waiting if it means more buffet meals.”

Terridus: “ummm.”

Hiro: “Go ahead Terridus, do you have something to say?”

Terridus: “Maybe we should be flexible and tie our approach to the situation as it unfolds.”

Artifice: “Great advice Terridus. You should speak up more often.”

Potesta: “Yes, I agree. Waiting till we see the circumstances on the ground prior to committing to a course of action is a prudent approach.”

At a knock on their door, Acies walks over opening it, and Stella enters.

Stella, flustered: “Sorry, there’s been a last-minute work schedule change, and I need to cover the night shift. I’d try to get out of it, but it might trigger suspicion. Here’s a map to the temple—it’s easy to find, just try to stay out of sight. I have to go now or they’ll wonder where I am.”

Stella turns to leave, when Sloth suddenly opens his eyes.

Sloth, to Stella: “Hiro should accompany you.”

Stella: “I’ll be fine, really.”

Hiro looks over at Sloth and then back to Stella: “Sloth wouldn’t say that if it wasn’t important. I should accompany you and keep you safe. My friends are fully capable of covering the temple ceremony without me.”

Stella, resigned: “Very well, if someone asks why you’re with me, I’ll just say it’s part of your training. Let’s go.”

Hiro follows Stella outside as she winds her way through the acolyte quarters.

Stella, teasing: “I really don’t need a baby sitter, you know. Then again, it may give us an opportunity for some alone time at the administrative office.”

Hiro blushes in response.

Stella: “Also, you can help me stay awake. I feel so sleepy all of a sudden.”

Hiro: “I feel kind of out of it too.”

Hiro, taking in a deep breath through his nose: “I didn’t notice before, but the night air here is so sweet.”

Stella, her eyes fluttering and her speech slurred: “That’s … not … normal.”

Hiro and Stella slump to the ground unconscious.

Potesta, Artifice, Parvul, Terridus, Acies, and Sloth are looking down from a point of elevation onto the open-air church beneath them. Several acolytes are bound to its central dais, as Numine’s inner circle members press red, glowing wands onto their exposed flesh. Each contact of a wand induces muted moans and whimpers that radiate outward into the night.

Terridus: “They’re being tortured. We have to stop this.”

Parvul: “That looks like Stella down there among the captives. Hiro was with her, so then where is he now?”

Acies: “First things first—let’s free Stella and the others.”

Artifice: “We need to proceed cautiously. If I’m not mistaken, the design of those wands resembles forbidden ancient devices that were banned by the Psychic Alliance. You’ll be incapacitated if they touch you.”

Potesta: “What’s their purpose?”

Artifice, determined expression: “They were used to extract psychic energy from their victims, for later infusion into someone else. The goal was for the recipient to forestall aging, but it was never fully perfected, and there were always horrible consequences for the perpetrator.”

Terridus: “Why would someone do something like that?”

Acies: “Someone like you, Terridus, who has the Lord’s light in your heart can never comprehend harming the innocent, and that’s as it should be. C’mon, let’s make our way down to the temple.”

Hiro, wakes up groggily on a sofa in an opulently decorated room: “Where am I?

As the blurred room comes into focus, Hiro sees a hooded, veiled woman wearing a white robe, seated across from him

Hiro: “Who are you? Where is Stella? Is she ok?”

Veiled Woman: “So many questions. (pauses) Very well. You’re inside an inner chamber located under my temple’s dais. I am Numine, Goddess of the Church of Enlightened Purpose. Your friend is above us … contributing to my cause.”

Hiro: “I’m supposed to be protecting her. What do you mean, she’s contributing to your cause?”

Numine: “Ahhh, you have such impressive aggressive masculinity. So, you’re playing the role of the gallant knight protecting the damsel in distress?”

Hiro, angry: “Why is she in distress?”

Hiro leaps off the sofa to confront Numine.

Numine: “For your own sake—I warn you, stay back.”

Hiro instantly freezes in place.

Hiro: “What do you mean for my sake? You’re just trying to protect yourself from me.”

Numine: “Why did you stop just now when I commanded it? You don’t realize it, but I’ve already ensnared you with my ability. Unless you keep your distance from me, you’ll completely lose yourself under my influence.”

Hiro, defiant: “Isn’t that your goal though, to control me?”

Numine: “Let’s just say I’ve promised to deliver you intact to someone. Still, you’re a very unusual young man. I’ve heard several incredible accounts of your exploits. You should be flattered, I’m quite fascinated by you. Why don’t we have a little chat? Don’t worry, your little friend isn’t in any mortal danger.”

Hiro, accusatorily: “You’re working for the Nihilist, aren’t you?”

Numine: “So you already know about him then. Yes and no. Let’s just say we have a mutually beneficial relationship.”

Hiro: “I see you’re wearing the same hooded white robe and veil as the recruitment speaker did when we first arrived. Although, your voice sounds different than hers.”

Numine: “You found me out. Yes, it was I.”

Hiro: “There are strands of blue hair poking out from under your hood. Does that mean you’re a member of the Psychic Alliance?”

Numine, wistfully: “I used to be. A long, long time ago.”

Hiro: “So what happened? Why are you doing all this?”

Numine: “I was once a scholar, researching a deadly psychic disease. During that time, I discovered a way to extract and transfer psychic energy, although the process hadn’t been perfected. Unfortunately, the sanctimonious Psychic Alliance Council deemed my work morally … questionable. My funding was cut off, and I became the target of my own Alliance. In order to continue my research, you can see that I had no choice but to become the experiment.”

Hiro: “That’s a terrible thing to do to others, and experimenting on yourself is dangerous.”

Numine: “Really? Well, I did manage to extend my own life, while those Council members from back then are long gone. I suspect that I’m ancient history to the current Psychic Alliance—if they even remember me at all.”

Hiro: “But at what cost?”

Numine: “I provide my followers with meaning in their lives. The extraction process in unpleasant, and the recovery time can be long, but they survive.”

Hiro: “How long have you been at this research, hundreds of years, and you still haven’t perfected it. Did it ever occur to you that there isn’t a solution? That what you seek is impossible?”

Numine, bitterly: “Watch your tongue. I can’t accept that everything I’ve done till now was pointless. Anyway, it has reached the point where I wouldn’t survive a single day without their sustenance.”

Hiro, determinedly: “I’ve heard enough.”

Hiro manages to take a step in her direction.

Numine: “I told you not to come closer. How are you able to resist my command?”

Hiro: “I’m stubborn that way.”

Hiro takes a few more halting steps.

Hiro: “I feel compelled to obey you, but the closer I get, the more I’m being drawn into you.”

Numine: “You fool, I already told you, if you get too close to me, you’ll lose your self-will—do you want to become my puppet so badly?”

Hiro: “Why don’t you take off your hood and veil so I can see who I’m talking to?”

Numine, voice quavering: “No, I can’t.”

Hiro: “What are you hiding?”

Numine: “Hiding? That’s rich coming from someone wearing an enchanted cap. My acolytes informed me they were unable to remove it from your head.”

Hiro: “In that case, I’ll try to remove your hood and veil from you.”

Hiro takes a few more steps forward.

Numine, bewildered: “I suddenly feel strange. What’s happening to me? I can’t seem to think clearly anymore.”

Hiro continues his slow advance causing a switch to flick within Numine.

Numine starts breathing heavily: “Yes, come to me Hiro. I’ve never felt this yearning before. Come worship me like all the others—I will consume you.”

With the reversal of her prior command to stay away, Hiro dashes to her, stopping inches from her veiled face.

Hiro puts one hand to the top of her hood as his other hand grips the edge of her veil. In one motion, he removes both, revealing a face with blurred features appearing to be in a state of flux. Shocked, Hiro staggers back a step.

Numine: “You got your wish, although it seems you’re displeased by my appearance.”

Hiro: “How?”

Numine: “Nothing comes without a price. This is the price I paid for extending my life. The psychic energy I draw from others leaves its ever-changing mark on me—my features are in a constant state of permutation, taking on visages of those I have consumed.”

Numine takes a step toward Hiro. Hiro leans back, struggling to resist, but his legs remain unresponsive, fixed in place. Numine envelops herself in a blue aura, which extends outward to form two long tentacles. These coil around Hiro’s body prior to plunging directly into his temples. In response, Hiro becomes transfixed, while Numine collapses onto the ground, writhing in pleasure.

Numine, blissfully: “Exquisite.”

Sounds of a door sundering open, followed by running feet culminate in the appearance of Hiro’s friends. Acies, who is carrying the unconscious Stella in his arms, lays her down gently on the ground. Even so, Numine is too enraptured to notice their appearance.

Artifice: “We’re too late. She’s already feeding off his psychic energy.”

Parvul: “Gross! What is she some kind of psychic vampire?”

Terridus, distressed: “How horrible, we have to stop her.”

Artifice: “Wait. I recall reading about something similar to this in an ancient history class during my Psychic Alliance training. There was a rogue Alliance member who was conducting dangerous experiments on people without their consent. She was caught in the act one day, and the experiment was abruptly terminated. Unfortunately, her victims didn’t fare so well. Trying to separate Hiro by force will cause a psychic energy rupture. It’s the equivalent of a trauma victim bleeding out from a terrible wound.”

Potesta, dispassionately: “Let’s just wait then and see what happens.”

Terridus, in tears: “Really Potesta? How can you say that? We can’t just sit idly by while he’s dying.”

Potesta, sighs: “You misunderstand. While it could be attributed to mere curiosity on my part, I expect, rather I believe that Hiro’s ability won’t be so easily defeated. Being accused of being cold or unemotional isn’t new to me, but perhaps in this instance it’s just that I have more faith in Hiro than you do.”

Terridus: “You may be right, but I still can’t watch and do nothing.”

Terridus releases her pink Magic Alliance aura.

Artifice, concerned: “Terridus, what are you going to …”

Terridus, in a booming magically amplified voice: “Hiro, don’t you dare die on me! Snap out of it!”

Parvul, glances over at Terridus, then glows silver-metallic as she sprouts megaphones from her AI suit: “If you embarrass me by losing to that vampire woman, then I’ll kill you myself, you dummy!”

Acies, glowing red, in a booming voice: “Hiro my man. The Lord is with you, so I know you got this. And besides, next lunch buffet is on me!”

Artifice, glowing blue, employs a high speed, repetitive voice overlay while optimizing her sound frequency for Hiro’s reception: “You’re losing to an old vampire crone? Surely, you’re more manly than that. Just think of all the female companionship you’ll miss out on if you die here.”

Sloth, glowing purple, multiple multidimensional versions of Sloth pop in and out of existence echoing the same message: “Hiro, you pulled all of us out of the depths of despair previously. Now it’s our turn to encourage you. Dig deep into your vast reservoir of strength, and your victory is assured.”

The five of them turn to stare at Potesta, who seems content to maintain her silence.

Potesta, acquiescing: “What? Very well, it seems I continue to get drawn into this coterie’s intemperate endeavours.”

Potesta dons her black aura, her words magnified by perfect harmonization with her surroundings: “Our companions think you need me to remind you of a basic truth. ‘Finis coronat opus’—the end crowns the work. There’s still so much more for you to do. I know you won’t let it end here.”

As Potesta’s last word rings out, Hiro’s eyelids open to their limits. His iris color changes to match the white background of the outer portion of his eyes, while the black disks of his pupils remain. From all around the outer edges of his eyes, the image of swimming sperm come forth, making their way to his pupils as though they were waiting eggs. Coinciding with the depiction of the moment of fertilization, Numine begins to fitfully thrash about, her face rapidly flashing through the faces of her prior victims. Hiro is jolted back to awareness as his psychic link with Numine is severed.

Numine, anguished: “Ahhhh, I can’t take anymore, it’s too much. Help me. Please, please, put an end to this.”

Hiro, concerned: “Potesta! Artifice! You have to help me stabilize her or she’ll die.”

Artifice and Potesta glance over at each other.

Artifice: “It’s no use arguing with him.”

Potesta resignedly nods, acknowledging the truth of Artifice’s words. Hiro walks to stand at a position above Numine’s head, while Potesta and Artifice move to either side of her. Together they raise and clasp each other’s hands, forming a circle. Potesta and Artifice’s auras flare out, traversing onto Hiro’s outstretched arms. Startled gasps escape them as their auras meet and intertwine around Hiro.

Hiro, panting: “I’m … going … to … try … something.”

Emanating from the aura swirl surrounding Hiro, two blue eyes in the shape of the Psychic Alliance emblem move in place over Numine’s eyes. Next, the black aura coalesces over Numine’s face, fitting around the blue psychic eyes, creating a face mask. A wave of calm instantly washes over Numine, her over wrought body going limp. Hiro, Potesta, and Artifice become spectators as Numine’s mind replays a scene from her past.

Numine is in a hospital setting, where unlike present day, her face facial features are stable, with angular nose and high cheek bones, her blue hair pulled back into a bun.

Assistant, to Numine: “Doctor, your research into psychic energy transfer as a means to combat this novel neurological virus has enabled us to slow its progression.”

Numine: “Even so, it’s highly contagious and its spread is outpacing our progress. This work is too important to be constrained by bureaucratic rules. We need more test subjects—will you arrange it for me?”

Assistant: “Yes doctor.”

Scene fades away, replaced by another, where Numine is seeing to sedated patients who are restrained on examination tables. The door to the room is flung open as Numine’s assistant bursts in, out of breath.

Assistant: “Doctor, I’ve just learned that the Psychic Alliance police have landed at the space port, and they’re on their way here now. You need to escape off world before they capture you.”

Numine: “Don’t they understand how important our work is? Why do they have to be so small minded?”

Assistant: “Doctor please, there’s no time. You need to leave now. I will delay them as long as I can. There’s no one else who can carry on your research.”

Numine: “Very well, you’re right. I suppose I will manage somehow.”

Scene fades away, replaced by another where Numine is alone in a small hotel room, sitting up on a bed, appearing frail and withered.

Numine: “To think I would succumb to the same disease I’ve been battling. Well, I don’t have a choice then—I can’t continue my research if I’m dead.”

Numine opens a briefcase, removing a syringe: “It hasn’t been perfected yet, but I’ve run out of time.”

As Numine injects herself, she loses consciousness, falling back on the bed. Observing from above, Hiro, Potesta, and Artifice watch as her gaunt features are revitalized, filling with the flushness of life as they transform into those of someone else. Hiro, Potesta, and Artifice abruptly find themselves back in their own bodies, their Alliance auras no longer active. Looking down at Numine, they see the mask they jointly created dissipating to reveal a familiar face.

Hiro: “That’s …”

Numine opens her eyes to see Hiro, Potesta, and Artifice holding hands above her recumbent figure.

Numine, smiling: “A young man’s dream come true, intertwined with two lovely young ladies.”

Hiro, puzzled: “Intertwined, huh?”

All three realize they are still holding hands, abruptly disengaging and nervously rubbing their pant legs.

Potesta, nonchalantly to Artifice: “I don’t understand why your face is so flushed—after all, it’s only Hiro.”

Artifice, corner of her mouth pulled up: “That’s amusing, coming from someone whose face is doing a flawless impression of a red pepper.”

Potesta, in a huff: “Hmmpfff. It’s petty to dwell on something that’s obviously just the after effect of combining our abilities.”

Hiro: “That felt kind of odd, but also really good somehow. Did you feel it too?”

Artifice and Potesta, simultaneously turning away from him: “No!”

Numine, sitting up: “I feel different somehow, more at ease. What did you do to me?”

Hiro: “It will be easiest for you to see for yourself. Terridus, would you provide her with a mirror please?”

Terridus, materializing and reaching into her hat: “Of course.”

Terridus removes a handheld mirror, releasing it to float over to Numine.

Numine, looking into the mirror: “My features have stabilized. How? And wait, this face looks familiar. I remember it somehow.”

Hiro: “Wow, it really has been a long time for you to have forgotten. We saw that face when we witnessed your memories—it’s you.”

Numine, tears streaming down her cheeks: “I had given up hope. But why would you help an enemy?”

Terridus, proudly: “That’s just who Hiro is.”

Parvul, looking sidelong: “Yeah, he’s just stubborn that way.”

Numine: “It’s easy to see why all of you are so drawn to him. There’s no way I can ever repay the debt I owe all of you.”

Potesta: “You can start by telling us where to find the Nihilist.”

Numine: “I can’t tell you where the Nihilist is.”

Acies, folding his arms and looking to the side: “So much for gratitude.”

Numine: “It’s not because I don’t want to tell you. It’s because I don’t know where he is.”

Artifice, rubbing her brow: “We’ve reached a dead end then.”

Numine: “Not necessarily. There’s a colleague of mine who has been in recent communication with the Nihilist. His name is Proelium and he’s currently on planet Metallicus.”

Acies, enthusiastically: “Now that’s more like it.”

Numine: “I wouldn’t be so eager to encounter him. Like you, he’s a member of the Militant Faith Alliance, and I can’t overstate how dangerous he is. Also, planet Metallicus is aptly named for its richness in highly sought-after heavy metals. As such, it is in a state of perennial warfare with multiple parties vying for control.”

Acies: “I won’t underestimate any opponent, but I do look forward to the challenge.”

Parvul, sticking her thumb out to point at Numine: “What do we do with the ex-vampire lady?”

Potesta: “I can arrange for the authorities to pick her up.”

Hiro: “Do we need to go that far? It seems she’s suffered enough. I don’t think we need to worry about her harming others anymore.”

Numine: “You’re correct in that I’ve already wasted too much time on such a harmful, fruitless pursuit. Still, although my original intent was for the greater good, it doesn’t excuse all my misdeeds along the way.”

Artifice: “I’m obligated to notify the Psychic Alliance that Numine has resurfaced after all these years. She’ll have to go into hiding and keep a low profile to evade them.”

Numine, head bowed: “That’s better than I deserve. The most I can hope for at this point is to spend my remaining years leading a simple, quiet life.”

Sloth, waking up: “We’ve accomplished what we set out to do. Let’s get going.”

Parvul, sputtering: “Of course, now that all the hard work is over you finally wake up and take credit for the outcome.”

Hiro: “Let’s go.”

Hiro and his friends depart for their ship.

Stella, awakening whispers: “Goodbye Hiro. I hope to see you again soon.”